Taiwan is rich in cetacean resources. Of the over 80 types of cetaceans around the world, nearly 30 types have appeared around Taiwan. Each year in Taiwan, the whale watching season is from April to October. The OCA used simple wording and illustrations in “Guide for whale watching in Taiwan Waters” to describe important friendly whale watching principles, hoping that everyone can be a responsible tourist who knows how to reduce the impact on cetacean groups when conducting happy whale watching, to ensure the sustainable development of precious cetaceans and whale watching industry.  

(The following are the text for pictures in the Guide for Whale Watching in Taiwan. )

The ocean is the source of life and habitat of various sea creatures and cetaceans. Friends from different places are welcome to watch whales on boats. Let us sail on the endless Pacific and visit these offshore cetacean friends!

Going on the ocean is going to the home of cetaceans. Before the guest and host have fun together, let us look at some etiquette!

Do not use an umbrella. Do not drink alcohol. Do not run on the boat.
Avoid producing trash. Prepare your own binoculars.
Prepare your own drinking bottle. Wear a life vest.

When cetaceans bow ride the wave, they should maintain a set speed. Do not suddenly change directions.  

The sea around Taiwan has an abundant number of cetacean species. Of over 80 species of cetaceans in the world, nearly 30 have appeared around Taiwan.  

All cetaceans are protected wildlife. According to Article 16 of the Wildlife Conservation Act, they may not be disturbed, abused, hunted, killed, traded, exhibited, displayed, owned, imported, exported, raised or bred, unless under special circumstances.

If illegal activities are discovered, you can provide pictures or videos to the county/city government’s marine conservation authority, the Ocean Conservation Administration, or contact the Coast Guard Administration by calling their “118” hotline. Let us safeguard the precious cetaceans together!

Whale watching is a wildlife observation activity. The sighting rate is as high as 80~90% in summer, but there is no guarantee that you will see any cetaceans.
The sightings around Taiwan are primarily smaller whales. The chances of seeing larger whales are less than 10%.
ocamaster@oca.oac.gov.tw (07)3382057


Produced by the Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council
Edited/Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation 　 Designed/Pirdou


Avoid getting too close to nursing cetacean groups; best to keep a distance of 300 m or more.
The number of boats should be limited to 3 at a time; try to keep on the same side and take turns observing the same group of cetaceans.
The boats should move in parallel and get close to the cetaceans slowly. Boats should reduce speed and keep at least 50 m or more of friendly distance.  
Do not throw trash or any manmade items into the ocean.  
Do not feed or touch the animals; respect the cetaceans’ natural behavior.
Do not chase or surround the cetaceans.
Do not break up or cut into cetacean groups.